17.5 Describing the Non-Existent and In-Definite Language

17.5 Describing the Non-Existent and In-Definite
Language & Culture Lessons
¡Hola! So far you've learned how to use the Subjunctive in dependent noun clauses when it is TRIGGERED by expressions of... Desire and
Will, Doubts, Feelings and Emotion.In this lesson, we'll take a look at how the Subjunctive mood is also used in Spanish in Adjective clauses
that describe something or someone that does not exist or whose existence is indefinite or uncertain.
Language
What is an Adjective Clause?
The Adjective clause is generally introduced with words such as: QUE, QUIEN, QUENES and modifies a noun or pronoun that is
contained in the main clause.
The person, place, or thing that is described by an adjective clause is called the "antecedent." When the antecedent's existence is
uncertain or indefinite, you use the Subjunctive.
Let's compare some examples of existent and definite antecedents (the person, place, or thing certainly exists) with nonexistent and
indefinite antecedents (the existence of the person, place, or thing is uncertain).
In the sentence...
Hay mucha gente que estudia español.
There are many people who study Spanish.
...you're stating that something EXISTS, that there are indeed many PEOPLE who study Spanish. In this case, the dependent clause (the
one after 'que') refers to a thing/fact that is known to exist, and so the Indicative is used.
Compare the following sentence with the one above:
No conozco a nadie que estudie español.
I don't know anyone who studies Spanish.
Here, you're stating that something DOESN'T EXIST, (at least for you) – that you don't know of anyone who studies Spanish. In this
case, the dependent clause refers to a thing that is UNCERTAIN, and so the Subjunctive is used.
Similarly, in the sentence...
No hay nada aquí que me guste.
There is nothing here that I like.
...you're also pointing out something that is does NOT EXIST with the Subjunctive form of the verb 'gustar' : 'guste'.
And in...
Busco a alguien que me pueda ayudar.
I am looking for a person that can help me.
...you're also pointing out someone whose existence is UNCERTAIN. Someone may be able to help, but there is also a chance that noone can help.
Now, compare the following two sentences:
Busco la tienda que vende manzanas.
I'm looking for the store that sells apples.
Here, you are looking for a specific shop, one that EXISTS, one that is DEFINITE. The one that sells apples. Note that the article "the" is
used in front of "store."
La tienda que vende manzanas.
The shop that sells apples.
But, in the sentence...
Busco una tienda que venda manzanas.
I'm looking for a store that sells apples.
...you don't have a specific shop in mind. Just "a" store, any store, that sells apples.
When Seeking Information
The Subjunctive is used when seeking information, and in questions that contain an adjective clause. If the person who responds knows
the thing, person, or place, the Indicative is used.
INDEFINITE ANTECEDENT → SUBJUNCTIVE
For example, if you want to ask someone if he or she knows a person who speaks English, you'd say:
¿Conoces a alguien que hable inglés?
Do you know someone who speaks English?
You use the Subjunctive form of 'hablar' which is 'hable' because you don't know for sure if such person exists. That person is
INDEFINITE and perhaps NON-EXISTENT.
DEFINITE ANTECEDENT → INDICATIVE
Now, suppose someone has asked you that question, and you know two people who speak English, you answer:
Sí, conozco dos personas que hablan inglés.
Yes, I know two people who speak English.
The 3rd person plural Indicative form of 'hablar' which is 'hablan' is used because the answer describes a CERTAIN, DEFINITIVE
antecedent - two people that DEFINITELY exist.
NONexistent ANTECEDENT → SUBJUNCTIVE
On the other hand, suppose you don't know anyone who speaks English, you would answer:
No, no conozco a nadie que hable inglés.
No, I don't know anyone who speaks English.
Here, the Subjunctive form 'hable' is used, because the answer describes a person (an antecedent) that does not exist.
REMEMBER:
When the antecedent is UNCERTAIN, use the SUBJUNCTIVE
When the antecedent is CERTAIN, use the INDICATIVE
Some Quick Pointers
...on Using the Subjunctive in Adjective Clauses
1. 'DONDE'
Unlike noun clauses that are always introduced with 'que' - adjective clauses may be introduced also by 'donde'.
'Donde' is used when describing a place and is equivalent to the English word "Where".
For example:
¿Hay algún restaurante donde sirvan insectos?
Is there a restaurant where they serve insects?
2. 'A'
The personal 'a' is not used with direct objects that are indefinite or nonexistent (that is, a hypothetical person, place, or thing) EXCEPT
before 'alguien' and 'nadie'.
Look at the following sentence:
Busco a un maestro que enseñe español.
I'm looking for a teacher who teaches Spanish.
Here, there is no personal 'a' because there is NOT a definite teacher who certainly exists.
You could also say:
Busco a alguien que enseñe español.
I'm looking for someone who teaches Spanish.
Remember that 'alguien' always has the personal 'a' tacked on in front when 'alguien' is a direct object.
Now, take a look at the next sentence, this one uses 'a' because it describes a definite-existing teacher:
Busco al maestro que enseña español.
I'm looking for the teacher who teaches Spanish.
Note here that the Indicative 'enseña' is used.
3. NADIE / NINGUNO
When the antecedent (person, place, or thing) of an adjective clause (main clause) is a negative pronoun - nadie, ninguno, ninguna the verb in the dependent clause is ALWAYS in the Subjunctive.
No conozco a nadie que enseñe español.
I don't know anyone who teaches Spanish.
No hay ningún restaurante que sirva insectos.
There are no restaurants that serve insects.
Otro ejemplo:
¿Conoces a alguien que coma un pescado entero en solo un bocado?
Do you know someone who eats an entire fish in just one bite?
¡No conozco a nadie que coma un pez entero en un solo bocado! I don't know anyone who eats an entire fish in just one bite!
Culture
Friendships and body language
From the moment you step onto Latin American soil, you realize that body language and personal space rules are quite different than
in most western countries.
Latinos hug their friends while having a laugh, and you greet everyone you see with a kiss on the cheek sometimes, both cheeks - if you are a woman, and handshakes between men.
In places like Argentina, it is not strange to see male friends kissing each others' cheeks as a way to say hi, which would be
inconceivable in countries where the macho culture is well established, like Mexico.
Outsiders may think that everyone is involved with several people of the opposite sex because of their body language, when actually it
does NOT mean anything at all!
Sibling-like relationships are common, and unless you see two people holding hands, giving each other a smile, or a man holding his
girlfriend by the waist, you can't be too sure about people being a couple.
Beware of dance styles such as Reggaeton, where flirting is the only way to do it right! Not appropriate for people who blush easily or are
unwilling to try new things. As they say, "when in Rome, do as the Romans." Ease up, this is Latin America!
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